You may be forgiven if you are thinking these are lamps for lighting up bridges. In this post – they aren’t.
The bridge in question is the card game, of course, and bridge lamps and bridge lamp shades were very popular during the 1910’s through the 1940’s.
They were used for lighting and decoration – just look at the exquisite handwork above, including gold French lace and beading. The change from gas or candle lighting to electric lights in the Victorian era made the use of fabric shades possible. The art of lampshade making reached a zenith in the early 20th century.
Most of the light from a bridge lamp, falls in a downward pattern which allows the lamp to be used beside a chair for reading – I love this crescent shape lampshade!
Bridge lamps and fabric bridge lamp shades were also used near tables when light was needed.
The homes of this time period often had ten to twelve foot high ceilings, and overhead lighting was less dominate.
Bridge Lamps could be moved around the home to provide light where it was needed. They look incredibly fussy and old fashioned to us but I think it would be a treat to have one in my sitting room – like an exotic bird. Even if they aren’t your kind of thing it is not a bad thing to be aware that a genuine lampshade in good order can fetch big money. So, what’s your verdict? Do you think this period feature is ripe for a comeback? I do hope so.
